Sunday, October 30, 2011

I love the word Serendipity and I love it even more when it comes into my life.

Earlier this year there was a small group of people that began a Gluebook group. I was an observer during round one and am participating in round two (it's just in the process of finishing up-but that's another blog post).

The creator and host of the group is Corinne Marie who is so incredibly talented. Equal to her talent is her gift of being this fantastic cheerleader to all, along with her openness to share what she knows. She was the one that suggested the Tiny Book Swap to me, which lead me to the wonderful Catherine Mommsen. She is definitely a gatherer of people and one of the most gracious and inspirational artists I know.

A month ago she created a new group ~ Creative Round Robin Books and asked if I wanted to join. Pitter pat pitter pat goes my heart....of course!

The theme for my book and title is "Leap and the Net will Appear", a quote from Julia Cameron. I have so many ideas swirling around in my head for 2012 ~ I just know it will be a great year. Some of the ideas are a bit big and some a little scary. I am eager for December 31, 2011 midnight to arrive, to be bold and to take that leap.

Here are the beginning pages of my book that will be sent on to four amazing artists.

I'm excited to see what the others will create in it and look forward to its return home just as 2012 begins. Thank you Cori for doing what you do, for being so welcoming and encouraging. And thank you for letting me be a part of your very artful group.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

I received an email from Paul Perry a couple of months ago. He was forwarding a possible art project/fundraiser called the International Plastic Quilt Project that he thought I might be interested in doing. He also mentioned that maybe Annette Lansing and Cat Zimmerman might want to join in as well.

That week in clay class after the other students had left, I brought up the project ~ the four of us were in! Our task was to create squares (preferably 12x12) made of nothing but plastic (thread could be added if needed). I suggested that we do transfer images via packing tape. The next week we all showed up with our stacks of favorites pictures and began to group them together.

Once grouped, I signed up to piece them together. Cat signed up to quilt them to their backing of bubble wrap and various used plastic bags. Electrical tape was added to edge them and Annette added grommets for easy hanging. They turned out spectacular!!

In addition to the measurements and use of plastic, each one had to incorporate the word "PLENTY".

The first one we titled "Plenty of Europe"....

The second one we called "Plenty of Nature"....

The third one we called "Plenty of Eyes"....

And ending with "Plenty of Creatures"....

Thank you Paul for your vision of what could be ~ such a great collaboration of Professors, Teachers, Mentors and Students from the Gerontology Program.

The fundraiser is going to be on November 4th at 100th Monkey Studios (which is located at 110 SE 16th Avenue, Portland). Hope to see you there!!!!